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Stacey Cole named Iowa Superintendent of the Year

 

October 17, 2023

Stacey Cole, superintendent of the Storm Lake Community School District, has been named the 2023-24 Iowa Superintendent of the Year by the School Administrators of Iowa.

“Dr. Stacey Cole is deserving of this award as evidenced by her determination, dedication, and love for all the students she serves. Stacey is committed to nurturing the Storm Lake school community, acknowledging their contributions, celebrating their students and families, fostering future leaders, and producing unconventional solutions. She inspires countless students, teachers, and community members to show up as their best selves. Dr. Cole exemplifies educational stewardship,” said SAI Executive Director Lisa Remy.

Cole has served as the district superintendent since 2018 and was previously director of curriculum, instruction and assessment at Fort Dodge Community Schools. Her career began as a grades 9 through 12 special education and at-risk teacher at Schaller-Crestland. She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and special education from Buena Vista University, master’s degree from Southwest Minnesota State University, administrator and English language learner endorsements from Morningside College, superintendent endorsement from Iowa State University and educational doctorate from the University of Florida.

She was nominated by her peers and selected for the award by a committee of Iowa superintendents using the following criteria for measurement:

  • Leadership for learning – creativeness in successfully meeting the needs of students in the school system;
  • Communication – strength in both personal and organizational communication;
  • Professionalism – constant improvement of administrative knowledge and skills, while providing professional development opportunities and motivation to others on the education team; and
  • Community involvement – active participation in local community activities and an understanding of regional, national and international issues.

Iowa’s Administrator of the Year award recipients will be honored at SAI’s Annual Conference next summer. Cole will also represent the state in the National Superintendent of the Year Program® sponsored by AASA, The School Superintendents Association.

Learn more about the Administrator of the Year awards